18.01.2019

Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Chewing, Destructive Behaviour

Chewing, Destructive Behaviour -
Interestingly, it has been shown that a dog’s endorphin levels increase when chewing (the dog gets lots of feel good chemicals).
It is because of this, that you cannot try to stop your dogs chewing completely (it is too chemically rewarding - so very difficult to train out). You must instead re-direct the chewing to acceptable items (that are not too similar to unacceptable items). [Read More…]

11.01.2019

Dog Behaviour, Dog Training, Hot Weather Effects…

Remember, this stinking hot weather is affecting us all, including our dogs with their behaviour.
Tiredness and irritability can be seen in our beloved pets as well as you and me, as this heat really kicks in.
Listen to the signs. [Read More…]

04.01.2019

Dog Behaviour, ‘Weeing when greeting visitors…’

With visitors coming and going at this time of year I thought it might be helpful to discuss
‘Weeing when greeting visitors…’
Yes yes this may be a tad embarrassing for you the owner but
this can be Submissive or Excitement Urination.
For this issue, PUNISHMENT WILL MAKE WORSE NOT BETTER!
Excitement Urination - It’s like, ‘I’m so excited I peed my pants!’
Particularly in young dogs who haven’t developed their muscle control so gets better over time. [Read More…]

28.12.2018

Dog Behaviour, ‘Does your dog need to be sociable, with all the other dogs that they meet?’

With more dogs being out and about at this time of year with their owners I thought I’d just say,
“Your dog does not need to be a ‘Social Butterfly.’”
We/Society seem to expect our dogs to be ’sociable’ with all other dogs but you can simply smile at the owner and walk on by 🙂
Do you yourself stop and shake hands with everyone you meet on the street?
Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.

21.12.2018

Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, ‘Loose Leash Walking’

‘Loose lead walking is exactly that…’
When walking Trev and Lily on the street, I like to keep their leads ‘fairly loose and not too short’ (they are on extendable leads). Essentially, not too long that I have to bring them in all the time to avoid obstacles but not a leash that is a restriction and a ‘pressure to fight against’.

In essence, the more restriction you place on them, I feel the more dogs seem to pull. [Read More…]